Public support for making marijuana legal reached a record high in 2013. A Pew Research Center poll released in April showed 52 percent support, and a Gallup poll in October showed 58 percent support. It's now safe to say most Americans are fed up with marijuana prohibition.

It seems that many in Washington remain quite worried about America's long-term budget-deficit. From my front row seat on the ground floor of the hospital, though, I remain far more worried about America's long-term compassion-deficit.

To help encourage healthy nutritional habits, we are equipping Providence's elementary schools with garden carts that offer fresh produce, as well as an opportunity for children to make healthy decisions for themselves.

We have become so accustomed to in-fighting among our elected officials that we fail to recognize some legislators are actually responding to the needs of their constituents, and supporting programs that will help their children.

Nearly all tobacco use begins in childhood and adolescence, and an estimated 23,000 children currently under the age of 18 could die prematurely from a smoking-related illness. So here in Providence, we're fighting back.

Ever since I was a little girl, I've always been extremely passionate about raising awareness and funds for my disease, Spinal Muscular Atrophy. It started off with lemonade stands in the neighborhood with my friends, where I would dream about raising $100 for my cause.

Once called the "Beehive of Industry" Providence, RI fell hard during the Great Depression. But in the 1970s, city officials decided to take action, uncovering downtown rivers that were buried beneath roads and embracing a passionate artistic community spirit.

Here's the dirty little secret the polluting industries don't want you to know: We, the American people, are already paying the costs of their carbon pollution. You and I are picking up the tab as they freeload.

From the tip of Maine to the Florida Keys, America's Eastern region is a diverse area filled with just about every type of terrain an active traveler could want: mountains, marshes, lakes, cliffs, forests and so much more.